General Zhou returned to his residence with a dark expression throughout.
He immediately summoned Zhou Cheng and the others and recounted what had happened in the main hall that day.
Upon learning that Emperor Yan had specifically requested her to enter the palace as a concubine, the second sister's face turned deathly pale, and her slender fingers clenched tightly.
Madam Zhou's anger flared up instantly, and her hands trembled with rage: "His Majesty wants Baiyun to enter the palace as a concubine?"
"This is no favor, it's clearly blackmail!"
“Once our daughter enters the palace, her life and future will be in His Majesty’s hands. If the Zhou family makes any move, Baiyun will be the first to be punished! I disagree! This is absolutely impossible!”
The second sister was extremely reluctant. She wanted to say something like she didn't want to go, but then she thought about the current situation of the Zhou family.
If, if I were to enter the palace and become a concubine.
If it can buy time for her younger brother and father, if it can keep Yan Emperor calm, if it can allow her younger brother to survive a month safely, then... then she is willing, it doesn't matter.
The second sister suppressed all her fear and forced a smile as she said to Madam Zhou, "Father, Mother, becoming a concubine in the palace is a joyous occasion that many young ladies would rather die for. I am not afraid."
"Daughter, daughter can enter the palace..."
"Second sister, I know what you're thinking. Don't even think about it. I will never agree!" Zhou Cheng quickly interrupted his second sister.
He knew that in his second sister's heart, she was willing to give her life for his well-being.
How could Zhou Cheng remain unmoved by his second sister's gentle and doting affection?
How could I not be moved!
A dangerous glint flashed across his face as he looked up at his father: "Father, Emperor Yan is ruthless."
"He verbally agreed to let you go to the border to repel the eastern Xiongnu and gave you complete trust, but then he turned around and ordered me to stay in the capital to enjoy my life. He even bestowed the title of concubine upon my second sister. This is clearly using us as hostages to threaten you, who is far away on the border, so that you dare not make any moves."
General Zhou was well aware of this!
If the facts weren't right in front of him, he would never have believed that the emperor who promised the Zhou family a hundred years of honor when he first ascended the throne could be so cruel.
Many years ago, Emperor Yan was just an unfavored prince. His mother was of low status and of humble origin. His maternal clan was powerless and insignificant. He almost died under the swords of the western Xiongnu in the struggle for the throne.
If it weren't for General Zhou risking his life to protect Emperor Yan and helping him ascend the throne at the crucial moment...
That's enough.
Who remembers the kindness of the past? Those who have been in high positions for too long only see the immediate benefits.
What gratitude, what affection, means nothing under imperial power.
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, you are truly ruthless and heartless! You really don't care at all about the merits of my Zhou family in protecting the emperor!" General Zhou sat in his chair with self-mockery, his eyes full of disappointment and hatred, regretting that he had misjudged people back then.
“Father, there’s no use saying all this now,” Zhou Cheng said solemnly. “The most important thing now is to protect the Zhou family and turn the situation around.”
When will you be heading to the border?
General Zhou suppressed his bitterness and sorrow and replied solemnly, "I will prepare to depart in three days."
"Three days... Did he say when Second Sister should enter the palace?" Zhou Cheng glanced at Second Sister, who was clutching her handkerchief tightly, and continued to ask.
General Zhou: "He only said that after I left the capital, he would let Baiyun enter the palace as a concubine, but Emperor Yan's focus was obviously not on that. Baiyun was just an extra bargaining chip. The most important thing is still you, after all, you are the future and hope of the Zhou family."
"Okay." Zhou Cheng already had a preliminary plan in mind.
He immediately looked at his worried second sister and instructed her, "Since the key is to keep me here, there is still a chance for things to turn around, second sister."
"Tomorrow, send someone to spread the word that Second Sister has fallen seriously ill and bedridden after learning that Father is old and has gone to war. It will take at least half a month for her to recover. Let's postpone the matter of going to the palace for now. I'm sure Emperor Yan won't bother to come to the mansion to take her away."
"And you, Father, must go to the border to gather the army."
The second sister looked at her determined-looking brother, opened her mouth as if to say something but said nothing, leaving only a heart full of emotion and bittersweetness.
"And what about you?" General Zhou was well aware of his son's strengths, but he was still very worried.
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